4. Mounted Borderer Way Station
Located on the outskirts of Sheernobb, the abandoned Mounted Borderer way station serves as a stark reminder of the Viscounty’s shifting priorities. Once a hub of activity, this small fortification now lies empty, its sturdy stone walls weathered by time. When Viscount Wilfrick ordered the Mounted Borderers to withdraw from the Kron Hills to reinforce Fort Emridy near Cienega, the station was left to fall into disrepair. It now offers a location ripe for adventurers, with secrets and dangers lurking in its shadows.
Description
Nestled at the edge of Sheernobb's southeastern boundary, the way station is a modest but durable structure made of heavy stone blocks and timber beams. A squat tower rises above the main building, offering a commanding view of the surrounding hills and the trade roads that pass through the area.The way station consists of
- A Main Hall: Formerly a barracks and meeting area, now littered with remnants of supplies and old weapon racks.
- Stable Yard: Overgrown but still sturdy, this area once housed the horses of the Mounted Borderers.
- Watchtower: Accessible via a crumbling staircase, offering a panoramic view of the Kron Hills and Sheernobb.
History
- Construction: The way station was built during the early years of Viscount Wilfrick's reign to support patrols protecting the Kron Hills from bandits, monsters, and raiders.
- Abandonment: When the Viscount ordered the Mounted Borderers to retreat to Fort Emridy, the station was deemed unnecessary. Its occupants withdrew, leaving behind only what they could not carry.
- Current State: The way station has become a refuge for travelers, though its isolation and deteriorating condition deter most. Some locals whisper of strange lights and noises coming from the tower at night.
Politics and Strategic Importance
- Viscounty Decision: The withdrawal of the Mounted Borderers has been a point of contention among Sheernobb’s residents, who feel abandoned by the Viscount. The station's dereliction symbolizes the growing divide between the gnome communities and the human leadership of Verbobonc.
- Bandit Activity: Without patrols, the roads near Sheernobb have grown more dangerous, with increased bandit raids threatening both gnomish caravans and human traders.
Potential Encounters
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The abandoned way station is a prime location for adventure, with several possible dangers and mysteries:
- Bandit Hideout: A local bandit gang has claimed the station as a base, using it to ambush nearby caravans.
- Haunted Watchtower: Strange occurrences—ghostly lights, whispers, and cold drafts—suggest the station may be haunted by the spirits of fallen Borderers.
- Hidden Cache: Rumors persist that the Borderers left behind a hidden cache of weapons, supplies, or treasure, protected by clever traps and wards.
- Monstrous Occupants: Giant spiders or other beasts may have taken up residence in the deserted halls and tower.
Adventure Hooks
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- Securing the Station: The Viscount’s court has offered a reward to any who can reclaim and secure the station for future use, driving back any creatures or bandits currently occupying it.
- A Bandit Problem: Merchant caravans have been raided recently, and the trail leads back to the way station. Eliminate the bandit threat or discover their deeper motivations.
- The Lost Orders: An old set of military orders is rumored to have been left behind, detailing strategic plans that could reignite political tensions between Sheernobb and Verbobonc.
Legacy of the Station
For the gnomes of Sheernobb, the abandoned way station is a potent symbol of their neglect by the Viscount’s forces. Its fate reflects the region’s broader struggles, where human and gnome interests increasingly clash. Reclaiming or repurposing the way station could serve as a turning point in improving security and fostering cooperation between the two communities—or further deepen the divide.
Mounted Borderer Waystation to Village of Sheernobb by 3orcs
Type
Guard post / house
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
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